In 1970, San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine staked their claim in the wine grape business by purchasing 24 acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. In the early seventies, the De Loaches decided to acquire additional vineyard land. For several years they watched others make notable wine from their grapes before making the decision to produce wine under the De Loach label in 1975.
The origins of Joyce Winery trace back to 1972, when Russell Joyce’s father, Francis, discovered the small rural town of Carmel Valley, California. Francis was searching for a place where he could establish both a dental practice and a race shop for his race cars, reflecting his professional racing career. The proximity to the renowned Laguna Seca Raceway and the rural charm of the area appealed to him, especially as a small-town farm boy from Wisconsin. After settling down and starting a family, Francis embarked on a new passion: winemaking. In 1986, he planted a small 5-acre vineyard around the family home, marking the beginning of Joyce Winery.
Russell Joyce, born in 1986, grew up immersed in vineyard work from a young age. His childhood involved tasks such as pulling weeds, hand-terracing vineyard rows, and pressing grapes in the small micro-winery on the property. This early exposure nurtured a passion for winemaking, even though he was unaware of it at the time. A self-taught winemaker, Russell dedicated his adult life to transforming Joyce Winery into a sustainable and thriving business, hoping to one day pass it on to his children. His work in produce and metal fabrication in the Salinas Valley helped support him financially, but his passion for winemaking remained unwavering.
The next chapter for Joyce Winery began with Russell and his father setting up a small production winery in an industrial building in the Salinas Valley, which operated from around 2006 to 2019. Facing space constraints, Russell and his wife Charlotte sought a rural property, vineyard, or winery to purchase and develop into a family estate. After several unsuccessful attempts, Russell found the old Ventana Winery in Soledad, California. Despite its dilapidated appearance, Russell saw potential in the site due to his familiarity with the Arroyo Seco AVA from years of fruit purchases. In 2020, a handshake deal was reached with the former Ventana Winery partners, marking a new chapter for Joyce Winery.
Russell has since revitalized the old winery and developed much of the surrounding barren land into a new organic vineyard. He has collaborated with the original Ventana Vineyard owners to plant new Gamay vines. All long-standing fruit contracts are with neighboring family-owned vineyards located within a 10-mile radius of the winery.
Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf.
Established in 1999, Carr Vineyards & Winery specializes in limited production wines from Santa Barbara County. Owner and Winemaker Ryan Carr also oversees the management of over 100 acres of vineyards, allowing him to handcraft each vintage from grapes grown to his specification. Varietals include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. Visit them in downtown Santa Barbara to experience the art of winemaking.
At Rhys Vineyards we aspire to make great Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from some of California’s most unique and expressive vineyards. This pursuit has led us to search the state for exciting rocky soils that exist within the mountainous, cool, Coastal climate zone. Over the last 15 years, we have developed seven estate vineyards, six in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one in Anderson Valley, each capable of producing uniquely compelling, distinctive, soil-driven wine.
Thomas Fogarty Winery was founded in 1978 by inventor Dr. Thomas Fogarty and winemaker Michael Martella. Dr Fogarty’s penchant for innovative thought and Martella’s viticulture instincts allowed them to lead the development of the cool Skyline Ridge area; true pioneers in one of California’s premiere Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions.
Today, James Ontiveros represents the ninth generation of the Alta California Ontiveros family, continuing the tradition of farming in the same valley that his ancestors have cherished for centuries. For wine lovers who enjoy California wines and visit its wineries, the wines crafted here tell a compelling story about the resilience of truth, the people, and the land itself. In the face of a cold, windswept coastal desert, the vines stretch deep into the earth, seeking water and nutrients from the depleted soil. Coupled with intentional farming practices in the cool Mediterranean climate, Santa Maria produces exceptional raw materials for winemaking. The singular goal at Ranchos de Ontiveros is to create wines as complex and rich as the story of their heritage.
Kim and David Vance welcome you to their wines. Zoetic Wines is located in a shared tasting room as part of a custom-crush facility in San Carlos, CA. Kim is open every 2nd Friday each month for tastings. Do you like Pinot Noir? You are going to really find Zoetic Wines Pinot Noir a treat. Be sure to contact Zoetic as they also do some tastngs by appointment and love to have visitors at special pouring events. CaCorks Winery Experience members welcome !
At MOHI Ranch, the farm-to-table philosophy isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life! This delightful haven grows its own produce, ensuring that every event is graced with the freshest ingredients straight from the land. The ranch is not just a stunning backdrop; it’s the very heart of their culinary magic, bursting with vibrant fruits, vegetables, and herbs that bring the best of each harvest right to your table.
But MOHI Ranch doesn’t just host events—they create unforgettable experiences! Their dedicated team focuses on every detail, ensuring that your celebration, whether a dreamy wedding, a corporate retreat, or a family reunion, perfectly reflects your vision and values. Picture saying "I do" amidst blooming flowers or dancing under a canopy of stars—MOHI Ranch is the ultimate setting for life’s most cherished moments. Come and discover the unique farm-to-table experience that makes this ranch truly special!
Established at the turn of the 20th century as Marchetti Ranch, a family vineyard and winery before Prohibition, Sycamore Creek Vineyards has undergone an incredible transformation over the years. The most significant change came in 2005 when Bill and Carolyn Holt of Morgan Hill took the reins. With Bill’s passion for agriculture and commitment to quality, Sycamore Creek blossomed into an award-winning winery known for its unique, hand-crafted wines.
Initially celebrated for its Zinfandel and Carignane, the winery expanded its repertoire under the Holts to include delightful Viognier, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and bold Bordeaux-style blends. In 2015, the winery joined the Léal Portfolio under Frank Léal, further elevating its prestige.
Today, nestled in the scenic hills west of Morgan Hill and Gilroy, MOHI Ranch continues this rich legacy, producing some of the Central Coast's most coveted wines. Looking ahead, the ranch plans to enhance its agricultural efforts, cultivating a variety of produce alongside its renowned vineyards, enriching both the land and the community.
Set along the picturesque banks of Uvas Creek in Uvas Valley, MOHI Ranch is the perfect escape. Visitors can unwind and enjoy award-winning wines while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. The charming ranch and boutique winery is located in the historical Uvas Valley, just west of the delightful towns of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the outdoor patio, savor a tasting, and indulge in their unique, delicious wines.
Visit MOHI Ranch Wine Tasting Room:
12775 Uvas Road
Morgan Hill, CA
Availability: Year-round
Phone: 408.779.4738
Great wine and unforgettable memories at MOHI Ranch!
Manzoni Estate Vineyards is in the heart of the Highlands, only six, focused acres small. Here, hands-on wine growing and traditional winemaking combine to create limited production wines of elegance and balance.
